Glen Garioch Sherry Cask 1999 Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Glen Garioch Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled in 1999, bottled in 2013. Matured in sherry casks.
Age Statement: Approximately 14 years.
ABV: 56.3%, un-chill filtered.
Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the sherry cask maturation suggests a potentially rich, amber color.
Bottle Design: Described as "newly shaped, bulgy bottles," indicating a distinctive, modern design compared to the standard liquor bottles used by the distillery in the past.

Balance of Flavors: A rich and complex balance of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness.
Unique Characteristics: Noted for its syrupy mouth-coating texture, with prominent flavors of toffee, chocolate, maple syrup, nutmeg, ginger spices, tangy orange marmalade, dates, caramelized toffee, and licorice.
Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its rich sherry influence and high ABV set it apart as a distinctive and robust single malt.

Distillery History: Glen Garioch, established in 1797, is one of the few 18th-century distilleries still in production. It has a history of experimentation, including using exhaust heat from distillation for greenhouse heating.
Innovative Practices: The distillery's parent company, Morrison-Bowmore, is noted for its environmentally friendly practices, such as using excess heat to warm a public swimming pool.
Reopening: The distillery was closed for about 15 years before reopening around 2011-2012.

Dialect and Pronunciation: The whisky and the valley's name are pronounced "Giri," reflecting the ancient Doric dialect still spoken in parts of Scotland, highlighting the cultural and linguistic diversity within the country.

Horst Luening's Personal Preference: "This is my kind of prey. Yeah. Hunt it down. This is my bottle."
Tasting Approach: Luening emphasizes the importance of diluting high ABV whisky just enough to open up its flavors without watering it down too much, showcasing his expertise in whisky tasting.

Glen Garioch Sherry Cask 1999 is a robust single malt Scotch whisky with a rich flavor profile of sweetness, spice, and fruitiness.
The distillery has a long history and is known for its innovative and environmentally friendly practices.
The whisky's pronunciation and the use of the Doric dialect highlight its Scottish cultural roots.
Expert Horst Luening highly praises the whisky, offering insights into the optimal tasting approach for high ABV spirits.

For Whisky Connoisseurs: The complex flavor profile and unique distillery practices make this a must-try.
For Environmental Enthusiasts: Those interested in sustainable and green practices in whisky production will find the distillery's approach appealing.
For Beginners: Due to its high ABV and complexity, it might be more challenging for new whisky drinkers. However, those looking to explore robust sherry-cask matured whiskies might find it intriguing, with proper dilution.